Hi All,
Beware… this is a long intro so proceed with caution.
Just joining the ranks of all you Pathfinder owners. I purchased a 92 SE 5-speed with the sport package (I believe) for a mere $200. Needless to say, it’s in dire need of some tender loving care after 282k hard kilometers (175k miles). It’s really a project for myself and to teach my 9 year old about how things work… or don’t work. Here is a list of the issues along with any repairs I’ve performed (so far).
1. Infamous corroded floor
Pulled the seats out and replaced the floor with galvanized sheet steel. Lots of rivets, lots of cutting and lots sealant in a days work. Problem is finding a place to bolt down the single front bolt on the center anchor of the seat backs. Any suggestions besides welding in a member across the entire cabin to simply hold down the seats? I still need to reinstall the center and driver side seat belt clips so they’re moved back onto more solid ground.
Total cost ~$25.
2. Rotten radiator
Removed and replaced with a nice one from the local junkyard.
Total cost $35.
3. Passing emissions standards for British Columbia
High NOx and high hydrocarbons. As luck would have it, the previous owner had installed a new muffler, CAT and O2 sensor within a year of selling it. Replaced the mass flow sensor from the junkyard (after checking the donor VIN online to make sure it passed emissions). Still failed. Discovered the ECU post here and will stop wasting money and simply diagnose the problem. I expect it’s the EGR valve.
Total Cost $25 (so far)
4. Starter motor
The starter is a little hit and miss. A couple of times I could not get the motor to turn over so I tapped the starter to get it to work. Bought a starter from a junkyard (nearly new AC Delco) but have yet to install it.
Total Cost $25
5. Headlights
One light only at times and sometimes no high beam setting. Again, junkyard purchase of a replacement switch but have not installed yet.
Total Cost $15
6. No Gauges except speedometer
Discovered the post here about the faulty voltage regulator. I will spend the ~$5 at The Source (formerly Radio Shack).
Total Cost ~$5
7. Oil, oil filter, air filter, spark plugs
Total Cost $50
8. Spare tire clunking
I will try the 3 in 1 oil daily for a few weeks to see if it goes away.
9. Frame Corrosion
When replacing the floor I noticed there is pitting on the frame. This could be the one big cost. Is it best to weld on a support plate over the joint?
Total Cost ???
10. Uneven rear tire wear
The rear tires are significantly worn on the inside. Need an alignment. Never done it before but it would be a good learning experience for me and the kid… maybe.
11. Sport suspension
There is a switch on the center console for switching to sport suspension but the switch does nothing. Not sure if it’s worth fixing.
12. Rocker panel corrosion
I don’t want to replace the rocker panels. Has anyone tried an easier (not so permanent) fix?
Still need to check the exhaust manifold and tension rod bushings.
Grand Total to date is $200 plus $180 in replacement parts. The engine runs really nice and the steering is also quite stable but with a little sway.
So far this site has been a wealth of information. Great work everyone!
